Tag Archives: Donations Please!

Just watch the minute of highlights by clicking on the video below. You can’t miss the themes.

Here’s the first theme. It’s Stephen Lett (Governing Body) addressing young and old alike.

“The Governing Body has approved this station on a trial basis initially in the English language only. Based on the response from viewers and your support of this new arrangement it is hoped that other languages will enjoy the same in the future.”

“It is evident that JW Broadcasting has Jehovah’s blessing. Those involved in preparing the studio the equipment and the content all said that they could feel Jehovah’s hand directing every step, every decision every day. ..”

“…Sensing Jehovah’s direction on this endeavor…”

“This just emphasizes the fact that when Jehovah wants something done, there is nothing that can stop him.”

“Some of the materials and all of the work on this studio were donated, which we very much appreciate. Still as you can see there was a significant outlay of funds to complete the project.”

And now, the theme as Stephen Lett addresses young ones, specifically.

“Young ones, you are loved by Jehovah and his organization. Young ones, you are loved by Jehovah and his organization” [repetition theirs]

“As evidence of Jehovah’s love, some may immediately think of the animated series of videos, “Become Jehovah’s Friend,” featuring Caleb and Sophia… and that has indeed been evidence of Jehovah’s and the Governing Body’s love for little children.”

(Yes, they actually used that last line, even in a video that brought Ted Jaracz back out of the archives.)

And then the conclusion, where the theme is explained outright — in 30 seconds (Click on the video below.):

“It is hoped that the visual images of Jehovah’s people enjoying a variety of activities will reinforce every young one’s determination to stay solid in the truth. You young ones are dearly loved by Jehovah and his organization.“

“We look forward to using you more and more in Jehovah’s organization as you grow to Christian maturity.”

The CONCLUSION of the matter, everything having been SEEN

Of course, some will draw the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with these themes. The theme of donations makes this come across as a televangelist’s plea, but we’ll say no more about that for now.

It’s true, there’s a lot more emphasis on “Governing Body” than we’ve seen before, but the emphasis on “organization” has always been there.

Yet, TV.jw.org is focused on something which is, by definition, more visual and visible. But there are two themes at once here to create a catalyst, combined in a way that will resonate with younger children like it has never done before. And it’s this: With the repeated idea of “Jehovah’s hand guiding every step and every decision, every day” and the constant linking of “Jehovah and his organization” we have an overarching theme of putting FAITHin what is VISIBLE.

This idea is surely the antithesis of the type of Christian faith where the Bible says ‘we walk by faith, not by sight.’ But that rarely bothers Witnesses who have always been known for their focus on visible numbers of preachers, reportable hours, number of attendees, number of magazines and books.

Of course, one could always question whether this interpretation is an overreach, but Jehovah’s Witnesses won’t question the idea of putting faith in a visible organization, even when it is spelled out for them explicitly!

Note the March 1, 1979 Watchtower:

*** w79 3/1 p. 14 par. 10 Faithin Jehovah’s Victorious Organization ***
“It identified the new visibletheocratic organization…So Jehovah’s visibleorganization came off victorious once again to his vindication. For dedicated, baptized persons to share in that victory, what did it take? Faith in Jehovah’s theocratic organization. “

Of course, it’s scary that Jehovah’s Witnesses might not notice that it’s scary. But there were a few seconds right there in the middle of this first monthly video with images like the following (don’t click it, it’s just a screen capture):

And the narration at that point: “…We need to get her into surgery right away. And we need to prepare for a blood transfusion….”